Chapter 2 - THE PEDIATRICIAN
Rachel took Emma to Dr. Carter that afternoon.
Not because the haircut itself required treatment.
Because Emma could not stop shaking.
She flinched whenever anyone moved near her head.
Dr. Carter examined:
scalp,
skin,
ears,
neck.
No cuts requiring stitches.
No serious physical injury.
But distress was obvious.
Emma held Rachel’s hand with both of hers.
Dr. Carter asked gently:
“Did Grandma tell you she was going to cut your hair?”
Emma shook her head.
“Did you say no?”
A nod.
“Did Dad know?”
Emma stopped breathing for a second.
Then nodded.
The door opened.
Michael stepped in holding Emma’s backpack.
“This is ridiculous.”
Emma instantly moved closer to Rachel.
Dr. Carter noticed.
Michael dropped the backpack onto a chair.
“My mother cut her hair. She didn’t beat her.”
Rachel’s face hardened.
Dr. Carter reached for a reporting packet.
Michael saw.
“What are you doing?”
Dr. Carter answered calmly:
“I’m documenting what Emma told me.”
Michael stepped forward.
“This is a family issue.”
Emma pulled the blanket tighter.
Then whispered:
“Dad said… ‘Good.’”
Rachel turned toward Michael.
Michael froze.
Dr. Carter’s expression changed.
Not dramatically.
May you like
Professionally.
The difference was worse.
